Having gas is no fun at all. You feel bloated, and it usually passes out of your system, which can be uncomfortable, not to mention embarrassing.

Gas sneaks into your digestive system in one of two ways: when you swallow air or through bacteria breaking down certain foods in the large intestine.

When it comes to gas and foods, you will find both good news and bad news. The bad news is you cannot cut out all gas-producing foods without seriously endangering your health, while the good news is that not all foods react the same way in everybody. You may have to experiment to see what foods give you that bloated, about-to-explode feeling.

And here is extra good news: you can virtually take the gassiness out of some notorious gas-causing foods.

Here’s what you need to know. Some foods produce more gas than others while they are being digested. These foods are not completely processed until they reach your colon –where they ferment. Consider these common culprits.

Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and other cruciferous vegetables
Beans, cucumbers, turnips, garlic, and onions
Carbonated drinks, coffee, and some fruit juices
Bananas, nuts, raisins

Wheat, com, potatoes, and noodles also contain gas-causing carbohydrates.

These are probably the best foods to test to see if they give you problems. Once you know which foods mean trouble, avoid them when you can. Instead of missing out on the most nutritious veggies and beans, try eating them with a product called Beano, which cuts down on gas.

Another way to get all the nourishing benefits of beans without any gassy side effects is to follow these steps:

Soak the dried beans for about four or five hours, then drain. Cover with fresh water and boil for 10 minutes. Simmer for 30 minutes. Drain and cover with more water. Simmer until the beans are tender, about one to two hours.

Although you can find remedies for gas after it starts, you’ll be even better off if you can prevent it from happening at all.